Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Alhambra to kick off 2019 with ‘Godspell’

In late 2009, the Alhambra Dinner Theater was purchased by a group of Jacksonville business people as a way to save the iconic theater from closing permanently.  What set out to be a short journey and a labor of love, turned into a passion for Craig Smith and Theatre Partners, LLC as they kick off their tenth season at the helm of what is now the Alhambra Theatre & Dining – the longest running dinner theater in America.  The Alhambra, as it is more commonly known locally, will launch its 52nd season on January 11 with the Broadway and pop culture hit, Godspell”.

Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), and it took the world by storm.  Led by the international hit, "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including: "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side."

About the Musical: The story revolves around a small group of high school students who help the main character, “Jesus Christ,” tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing.  An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage.  Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

Boasting a score with chart topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebelak) and a feature film, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences.  The musical is structured as a series of parables, primarily based on the Gospel of Matthew. The parables are interspersed with music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the passion of Christ appearing briefly near the end of the show.

Godspell began as a project by the drama students at Carnegie Mellon University, then moved to the off-off-Broadway theater La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in the East Village of Manhattan.  The show was then re-scored for an off-Broadway production, which became a long-running success.  Several cast albums have been released over the years. "Day by Day,” from the original cast album, reached #13 on the Billboard pop singles chart in the summer of 1972.

Menu: First Course (Choice of One) Mixed Grain Salad farro, barley, tomato, cucumber, iceberg lettuce, Green Goddess dressing *GF*, OR Trio of Lentil Soup.
Second Course (Choice of One) Salmon Encrusted Florentine cheddar orzo, roasted asparagus, OR Roasted Leg of Lamb mint demi-glace, fingerling potato, honey glazed carrots *GF*, OR Tuscan Chicken Pasta hearts of palm, olives, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, pesto, feta, OR Baked Polenta Cake topped with wild mushrooms, tomato, roasted winter vegetables, sherry cream sauce.
Third Course (Choice of One) Chocolate Toffee Matzo Bars, OR Sugar Cookie Cake with lemon curd.  Menu subject to change.  Gluten-free & sugar-free desserts available upon request.


 ‟Godspell
DATES: January 9 — February 10, 2019

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 6 p.m. (Gala Night at 5:30 p.m.), and dinner is served until 7:30 p.m. 
Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. and the brunch served until 12:50 p.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday January 11, 2019) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $64.  Ticket prices include: a plated three-course meal that changes for each show, and is served directly to your table; a Broadway-style performance and complimentary parking.  Tickets may be purchases on line at or by calling (904) 641-1212.
     **Price does NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
       12000 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, Florida 32246
       (904) 641-1212

1 comment:

Van said...

Pretty good show. The lamb and lentil soup were both great as well.